Russ' Ramblings

1 Samuel 17:29

     The army of Texas surprised Santa Anna and the Mexican army.  As they took to the fields of San Jacinto there was a battle cry on their lips.  They had a rallying call.  They had motive.  They had a cause that was bigger than self.  They cried, “Remember the Alamo!”  They were motivated by the courage and sacrifice of those brave men who fought against the overwhelming force and gave their lives for the cause they called Texas.

Wars have often had some sort of valiant cause to rally the courage of the soldiers who fight, and the nations that support them.  It takes something larger than just selfish or personal interest to maintain a large conflict over any length of time, or large sacrifice.  We will not fight long if we do not have a clear cause or motivation. 

David knew his motivation.  He stood against the imposing giant with gallantry because he was standing against one who would oppress the Lord and His people. 

A few days ago, we took note of the 9th anniversary  of “9/11”.  We were again confronted with the pictures that challenge our emotions.  We hear the numbers of the losses, and we are moved by thinking of the impact on the lives of so many of our own nation.  A fire is reignited in us and we remember that we do have a cause that is larger than just our own personal lives and desires. 

Sometimes we forget the cross.  We fill our efforts with doing the right things, and good things.  We “go to church”, read our Bibles, and even love our enemies.  We pause to gather around the Lord’s Table and carefully partake of communion.  Then as we pray for forgiveness we hold a sense of satisfaction that we have fulfilled our commitments.  One thing might be missing.  We may have missed the cross.  The price for us, and the motive to do these things is found in the nearness of the cross (More later).